Beijing Ducks, led by former NBA star Stephon Marbury who notched game-high 41 points on Friday night, clinched their first-ever title of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league. Edging defending champions Guangdong Hongyuan 124-121 at home, Beijing Ducks, who entered the finals for the first time, won 4-1 on aggregate in the best-of-seven series. Guangdong had been crowned seven times in the past eight seasons.LinkHoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I have a confession. I never thought Stephon Marbury would be a champion in any league or at anything.
After all, Marbury had toxic traits -wearing out his welcome in Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, and the entire NBA.
Things often got weird, too. There was his bizarre interview where he referred to his wife has his better ‘ho’. There was his preacher-like sermon when the Knicks acquired Zach Randolph. There was his role in Isiah Thomas’ sexual harassment case. There was his banishment from the New York Knicks and some bizarre youtube clips.
Too Marbury’s credit, he has moved on. The past is the past. In China, he won a championship, sold sneakers, and even served as a go-between when J.R. Smith got into trouble with his Chinese club a few months ago.
The entire episode reminds me of the redemption flick Mr. Baseball, where Tom Selleck finds his way in Japan after bottoming out with the New York Yankees.
So, wll Marbury stay in China or return to America if he scored an offer from an NBA side? Whatever happens, it will be interesting. Things always are with Marbury.
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